Increasing stress on preventing HIV/AIDS in India

Prevention is better than a cure. This approach seems to be gaining much more acceptability among various voluntary organizations and even some governmental agencies actively involved in tackling the much–dreaded HIV/AIDS menace in India. This is indeed a paradigm shift from the emphasis on “safe” sex through the use of condoms to ward off AIDS.

It has been rather embarrassing for religious and educational institutions to promote safe sex, as it would be undermining the very institution of marriage. Does anyone want his child to have safe sex? The answer is a big “No”. Religious institutions prefer to educate people of the need to practice abstinence in the absence of their spouses. Limiting sex to only between spouses is the most effective way to control the disease.

These are some of the conclusions from a recent meeting on AIDS organized by the AICC (All India Christian Council) in collaboration with Gospel Mission India (GMI) in Hyderabad. Council executive member Mr. AE Franks said everyone should make a commitment to be involved in tackling the disease among illiterate people. Pointing out the success made in several North African countries on this front, he said that the Church, in collaboration with the local governments, made this possible.

Gospel Mission India director Dr Scott Norling said instead of distributing condoms to promote safe sex, the stress should be on abstinence. The “A–B–C” method of abstinence and faithfulness in marriage would jointly ensure a safe future for the coming generations. It is important to network with government and religious leaders to spread this message. “More than 80% of the youth in the country are sexually active today. Hence it is our responsibility to bring awareness to prevent this evil,” he said.

Dr Rabbaiah Joseph of GMI said that daily 6,000 people are infected with AIDS across the globe. Saying every 11 minutes one person was being infected with AIDS, he underscored the need to be compassionate to the sufferings of the people affected by AIDS. Most of those testing positive for HIV/AIDS commit suicide within 36 hours of their test. He said the message of abstinence and the need for rehabilitation would go a long way in solving the problem.

AICC secretary Sam Paul said the churches and other Christian institutions, along with civil societies, should spread this AIDS awareness programme. He urged AICC district chapters to prepare a separate desk for this noble cause to coordinate to bring all religious heads and other important personalities onto one platform to tackle the issue at the district level. “It is a wonderful opportunity for the AICC and GMI partnership to facilitate AIDS awareness for the Church in India, beginning with Andhra Pradesh,” he said.